Telemedicine Service

The primary healthcare centers in the Kingdom of Bahrain offer a telemedicine service, enabling citizens and residents to consult with doctors remotely without the need for in-person visits. This service enhances flexibility in healthcare access while saving time and effort. Patients can choose between in-person consultations or remote follow-ups, and they can schedule appointments via the unified contact number 8000 7000.

1. Appointment Booking: The patient books a telemedicine appointment through the official channels.
2. Consultation with a Doctor: After booking, the doctor contacts the patient remotely.

1. Assist healthcare facilities and professionals in complying with laws and regulations.
2. Provide guidance on the fair and effective implementation of National Health Regulatory Authority(NHRA) mandates.
3. Ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare for all.
4. Offer practical guidelines for medical practitioners and pharmacists in both public and private pharmacies.

Encouraging the use of telemedicine as part of routine practice during crises is essential.Accordingly, emphasis is placed on the safe and effective dispensing of medications.The document outlining the medication dispensing procedure should be read alongside other relevant guidelines, ensuring compliance with the Bahrain Pharmacy Law and its amendments, including Decree-Law No. (20) of 2015 and Resolution No. (63) of 2019 regarding the requirements for practicing pharmacy and licensing pharmaceutical establishments.

The telemedicine service covers the following:

• Laboratory test requests
• Follow-up and discussion of non-critical lab results
• Review of radiology reports
• General medical consultations that do not require a physical examination
• Non-urgent routine services determined by the doctor based on the patient's medical history

These services are provided under approved regulatory guidelines, and some cases may require in-person visits for clinical examinations or urgent medical interventions.
This service is designed to enhance healthcare accessibility, particularly for individuals who face mobility challenges or require continuous follow-up, while ensuring that the highest medical standards are met.

Telemedicine services in the Kingdom of Bahrain operate under a comprehensive regulatory and legal framework that ensures service quality and protects the rights of both patients and healthcare providers. The framework includes the following:

1. Privacy and Security Standards:
   • Compliance with data protection laws to ensure confidentiality of patients' medical information, in alignment with Bahrain’s Personal Data Protection Law.
   • Use of secure, accredited digital platforms for consultations.
2. Licensing of Service Providers:
   • Doctors and healthcare practitioners providing telemedicine services must be licensed by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA), ensuring that qualified professionals deliver the service.
3. Defining Responsibilities of Doctors and Patients:
   • Patients must provide accurate medical information.
   • Doctors are responsible for offering clear and accurate medical consultations.
4. Adherence to Medical Standards:
   • Services are provided in line with approved medical standards set by primary healthcare centers and the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA).
   • Some cases may still require in-person clinical assessments or urgent medical interventions.
5. Patient Rights Protection:
   • Patients are guaranteed high-quality medical services.
   • Avenues for complaints or inquiries are available through official channels in case of service deficiencies.

With this regulatory framework, primary healthcare centers in Bahrain ensure that telemedicine services are delivered securely and efficiently, safeguarding patient rights while maintaining high standards of healthcare quality.